Round 3 Head to Head: Three Compelling Matchups to Watch This Saturday
New England Free Jacks vs. Chicago Hounds
Sunday, March 2 | 2:00 PM EST | SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL
Watch live on ESPN+
“Three compelling head-to-head matchups anticipated for this Saturday’s showdown.
The Free Jacks began the regular season with a strong performance at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, beating RFC Los Angeles with a score of 24-17.
Now, the Free Jacks are gearing up to face the Chicago Hounds this Sunday, March 2, at SeatGeek Stadium. The last time the Free Jacks faced the Hounds was week 4 of the 2024 MLR season, where they won the match 22-17. Before this, The Free Jacks won their first ever MLR shield playing at SeatGeek Stadium, so this history will make for quite an exciting game. Here are some key matchups to note for Sunday’s game.
hooker: Andrew Quattrin vs. Dylan Fawsitt
First up is Andrew Quattrin vs. Dylan Fawsitt. Quattrin has shown time and time again that he’s a strong and valuable player for New England. During the 2024 MLR season, he scored 8 tries and also ranked among the top carriers and tacklers in the league. His fierce playing style makes him a vital part of the front line and sets the standard for his teammates. Quattrin also recently earned his 75th MLR cap, speaking to his unrivaled experience with the game and his team.
Dylan Fawsitt, otherwise known as ‘the Butcher,’ has scored more tries than any player in the league, had more All-MLR selections, and played more minutes since the league began in 2018. Basically, he’s an all-star player. The Hounds’ stats speak for themselves, and quite like Quattrin, Fawsitt recently earned his 100th cap, making him the first ever MLR Centurion. Both men have not only incredible stats, but the knowledge and experience that make great players.
center: Le Roux Malan vs. Ollie Devoto
The second key matchup to watch this Sunday is Le Roux Malan vs. Ollie Devoto. Malan has already built a legacy in New England, scoring winning tries in both the 2023 and 2024 MLR championship finals, proving that he’s a player that can be counted on to produce results on the field. On top of this, Malan was also named the “Free Jacks Back of the Year” in 2023, an accolade that solidifies his status as a “go-to” player for New England.
Ollie Devoto is a recent addition to the back row of the Chicago Hounds. Previously, Devoto had an impressive career in the Premiership, racking up 193 appearances, 29 tries, and 152 points. The English center has proved to give Malan quite a challenge this Sunday.
backrow: Joe Johnston vs. Mason Flesch
The third key matchup to watch this Sunday is Joe Johnston vs. Mason Flesch. Joe ‘The Mechanic’ Johnston certainly lives up to his name. Not only is he a fan favorite in New England, but he’s also a defensive powerhouse on the field. In 2022, he received the Minuteman Award for his outstanding performance that season, with 1074 minutes played, 102 carries and 187 tackles, 372 rucks, and 26 tackles broken.
Mason Flesch was known as a breakout star in 2024, creating new records for himself in many different stat categories. Some of his career stats so far include 325 successful tackles, 1,087 meters gained, three clean line breaks, and 34 beaten defenders. Like Johnston, he’s coming into the 2025 season with a reputation that precedes him, a powerful player always looking to improve and be challenged
The Free Jacks are looking to win a third MLR Championship shield this season, something never done before in league history. To achieve their goal, they need to keep playing fast and precise, something that these players contribute to while in their element.
Round three against the Chicago Hounds kicks off Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m. EST. Fans can watch live on ESPN+ and on NBC Sports Boston.
For fans located in the New England area, the first official watch party of the season will take place in Humarock, MA, at The Voyage, 14 Marshfield Ave, from 1:30-3:30.
However you want to watch this Sunday, it’s a game that can’t be missed!
how to Watch
Live from SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, il
We encourage traveling fans to reach out to the 1st regiment supports group who are planning to meet at the Chicago Stadium tailgate.
usa streaming – ESPN+ STREAMING LIVE
Live coverage will begin at 2pm
new england broadcast – NBC Sports Boston: Tape Delay
Due to the Celtics Game at 1pm, the Free Jacks match against Chicago will be on a tape delay and will play after the Celtics coverage ends.
international streaming – the rugby network
International viewers can watch live on TRN
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Written By Ana Wolfe,
Ana Wolfe is a senior political science and journalism student at Suffolk University. She was born and raised on Cape Cod but loves living in Boston and experiencing city life. In addition to writing for the Free Jacks, she is also a staff writer for the Suffolk Journal, an office assistant, and the assistant manager at Brandy Melville. Outside of school, she enjoys going to the movies, spending time with her friends, and exploring the city. In the future, she hopes to move to a larger city and write for a newspaper or magazine. While she is not a journalism major, she credits the Suffolk Journal with helping her discover a passion for writing, whatever genre it may be. She’s very excited for the opportunity to work with the Free Jacks as a news bureau reporter to learn more about the sport of rugby while also being able to write about it. She didn’t picture herself ever being a sports writer, but she’s grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in her writing. She’s also very excited that her writing will help bring the community closer to the Free Jacks and bring them the recognition that they so well deserve.
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